When you see the power and polish of her modern dance troupe, it’s easy to understand why Lula Washington is an iconic figure. Her many choreographic credits include the ritual movements of the native peoples in James Cameron’s film Avatar. But the scores of professional dancers trained at Lula Washington Dance Theatre are only part of the story. The real impact of the school is embodied in the more than 45,000 South Los Angeles students who have learned life lessons in the dance studio. Whether they study ballet, folk, modern, jazz or African American dance, they are learning discipline and focus, self-expression and confidence, creativity and persistence. No wonder Lula Washington was one of the first recipients of the Minerva Award, the State of California’s prize for extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to positive change.